Henry ‘Trey’ Radel takes leave after cocaine charge

Henry “Trey” Radel, a Florida republican representative has pleaded guilty on account of his being held for cocaine possession and has received a year’s probation. He has taken a leave of absence and has decided to donate his salary to charity as a sign of him being contrite. Radel made the announcement on Wednesday at a news conference in Florida.

Court documents have revealed that when Radel bought the cocaine on 29 October he met with the undercover officer and an acquaintance with whom he had previously used cocaine.

The documents stated that Radel purchased cocaine on several previous occasions. Karl Colder, special agent in charge of the DEA’s Washington field office, said Radel was given no special treatment in avoiding arrest at the scene.

Radel provided information to investigators at the time of the bust and has continued meeting with them since.

“I’m not going to sit here and make any excuses for what I’ve done,” he said. “I have let down our country. I’ve let down our constituents. I’ve let down my family, including my wife. And even though he doesn’t know it, I’ve let down my 2-year-old son.” He said he takes responsibility for what he did, adding, “I want to be a better man.”

If Radel successfully completes his year of probation the charge against him will be dismissed and he can apply to have his record expunged.

DEA officials were tight-lipped about letting out further details. The dealer who was responsible for providing cocaine had been arrested previously as part of a separate drug investigation led by a federal task force.